Re: Benjamin and Ruth Hough of Bent Mtn., VA
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In reply to:
Benjamin and Ruth Hough of Bent Mtn., VA
4/23/00
Thank you for your fascinating presentation on Benjamin Hough of Bent Mtn., Va.
Here's a little more evidence on who Benjamin Hough of New Milford, Connecticut was. I think this does not support the theory that he went to Virginia.
On March 4, 1738/9, Benjamin Hough of New Milford bought 50 acres on the Housatonic River in Northwest Cornwall Township. (Gannett) This land includes Hough Mountain.
Benjamin Hough is in the Cornwall tax records for 1742. (Potter)
On November 3, 1744, Benjamin Hough, now of Stockbridge, Mass, sold 50 acres to James Douglas. (Gannett)
Stockbridge, Mass is further up the Housatonic River.
So, it seems Benjamin was not in Virginia by late 1744 when the diary says a child was born there.
Now it gets interesting:
From CCR Vol. 12, pg 190; May 1763
"On the petition of Stephen Lee, of Litchfield in Litchfield County now of New Milford in said county, vs. Roger Brunson, Josiah Brunson, Peter Brunson, Jonathan Hitchcock Jun., Noah Brunson and Ruth Hough, all of New Milford aforesaid as on file: The question was put, whether anything should be granted on the prayer of said petition: Resolved in the negative. Cost allowed respondent L 2 1 0"
The association of Ruth Hough with several Brunsons/Brounsuns suggests that, if this was Benjamin's wife, she remained in Connecticut until 1763 at least.
Then there is this Benjamin Hough:
CCR v14, p201 October, 1773
Issac Cook of Wallingford, collector of the Colony tax, said these persons had departed the Colony before he could enforce the payment of taxes.
Benja Hough; On the eight penny rate list, 1763. (30 pounds, 12s)
Benjamin Hough; On the penny rate list, 1764. (13 pounds)
Finally:
I recently looked at a book called "Hough in Loudoun County, Virginia, 1744-1850; an unfinished history." by OL Hough, which, as I recall, argued that those Houghs came from Pennsylvannia.
refs:
Potter = Cornwall History, George Potter
Gannett = The Distribution of the Common Land of Cornwall, Connecticut, 1738-1887, Michael R. Gannett.
CCR = Colonial Connecticut Records; http://www.colonialct.uconn.edu/default.cfmhttp://www.colonialct.uconn.edu/default.cfm